When the Oklahoma coaching staff and players welcome in the top talent in the country this coming weekend one player that won't be in attendance is 6-foot-3 and 265-pound Ty Darlington.

But even though one of the Sunshine State's top talents won't be gracing the Sooners with his presence in Norman for Junior Day there continues to be a tight relationship between the Apopka, Fla. standout and his childhood favorite team.

"My Uncle and Aunt live in Oklahoma City and then my other Uncle and Aunt live in Edmond and then both sets of grandparents live in Midwest City. Then there's a bunch of other family that live around Oklahoma that aren't as immediate," said Darlington.

"I've talked to coach James Patton quite a bit on Facebook. We talk back and forth all the time."